Window-washer



(No Model.)

G. A. KEENE.

WINDOW WASHER. No. 262,231. Patented Aug.8, 1882.

WITNESSEE UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE A. KEENE, OF LYNN, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO OSCAR F. HOWE, OFBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

WINDOW-WASH ER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 262,231, dated August8, 1882,

Application filed April I, 1882.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE A. KEENE, of Lynn, in the county of Essex andState of Massachusetts, have invented new and useful Improvements inI/Vindow-VVashers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to that class of window-washers employing spongesfor absorbing and retaining the water and washing the windows, 85c.

In the accompanying drawings, in which similar letters of referenceindicate corresponding 'parts,'Figure l is a view of the head of awindow washer embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical section ofthe same. Fig. 3 is a section on line 00 as, Fig. 2.

A is a solid block-head, provided with an opening, a, for the insertionof the pole.

B is the sponge. This sponge is held upon the block-head by having itsedges drawn over and around the sides of the block-head and into theannular groove 0 formed in the head, into which groove the sponge isconfined by means of staples, preferably rectangular, D.

It will be observed that this sponge, instead of bein gcompressed, as isthe case with sponges held in other window-washers, or even in the hand,thereby having its capacity for holding water reduced, is expanded inthe process of drawing it around the edges of the block-head, thusincreasing its holding capacity-certainly not reducing it. Indeed,sponges of many,

perhaps most, shapes are cut or slit on their rear sides in order thatthey may be spread snfficientlyto be fastened in the groove 0. Thestaples D are driven through the sponge into the groove 0 longitudinallytherewith, the groove preventing them from being seen or marring orbreaking the window.

(No model.)

By fastening the sponge in the groove with staples, instead ofencirelingcords or wires, the sponge is not compressed, and hence its holdingcapacity not diminished. Each staple holds a very small portion of thesponge, and the parts between the staples are free to expand and holdwater. It the sponge were tied by an encircling cord in the groove, anentire annular portion would be compressed and rendered useless. Inpractice the staples are hidden from view by the expanded sponge.

No portion of the block-head is liable to strike the window, as thesponge extends well over the sides. The portion A of the blockhead isrounded in order that the edge may not out the sponge.

The holding capacity of the spongeis so great when arranged as shownthat no reservoir is needed.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. In awindow-washer,thecombinatiomwith the sponge B, of the block-headA, to which the sponge is secured, said block-head being constructedwith the rounded edge A in order to prevent injury to the fiber of thesponge, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a window-washer, the combination of the sponge B and groovedblock-head A 0, said sponge being secured to said block-head by means ofstaples D driven into the groove 0, whereby the sponge is secured inposition without being materially compressed, substantially as and forthe purpose described.

GEO. A. KEENE.

Witnesses:

HENRY W. WILLIAMS, J OSEPH ISHBAUGH.

